How does the Constitution differ from the Articles of Confederation?

The Constitution differs from the Articles of Confederation primarily in that it established a strong central government, addressing the weaknesses of the Articles. Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government was exceedingly weak, with limited powers primarily based on the authority granted by the states. This lack of central authority made it difficult for the government to effectively manage issues such as taxation, interstate commerce, and national defense, often leading to instability and disunity among the states.

In contrast, the Constitution created a more robust federal government that possessed the power to tax, regulate commerce, maintain an army, and enforce laws. This significant shift aimed to ensure a more cohesive governance framework that could respond effectively to the needs of a growing nation. The Constitution also instituted a system of checks and balances among the branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful. This framework was absent in the Articles of Confederation, which contributed to the challenges faced by the early American government.